We use cookies to customise content for your subscription and for analytics.If you continue to browse Lexology, we will assume that you are happy to receive all our cookies. For further information please read our Cookie Policy.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report examining the extent to which antipsychotic drugs are prescribed for older adults with dementia in nursing homes and other settings. The GAO found that, according to Medicare Part D data, about one-third of older adults with dementia who spent more than 100 days in a nursing home in 2012 were prescribed an antipsychotic, compared to about 14% of Medicare Part D enrollees with dementia living outside of a nursing home were prescribed an antipsychotic that year. While several agencies within HHS have taken steps to address antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes as part of the National Alzheimer's Plan, these efforts have not applied to older adults in other settings, such as assisted living facilities or individuals' homes. The GAO therefore recommends that HHS update its National Alzheimer's Plan to expand outreach and educational efforts to reduce antipsychotic drug use among older adults with dementia residing outside of nursing homes; HHS concurred. For details, see the full report, “Antipsychotic Drug Use: HHS Has Initiatives to Reduce Use among Older Adults in Nursing Homes, but Should Expand Efforts to Other Settings.”

Related topic hubs

" I am very pleased with the content of the Lexology newsfeeds. They are a centralized way of getting legal related updates from many jurisdictions and a great way to stay informed with a minimal time commitment."